A Greater Manchester station has been crowned the nation’s best at bringing people together after thousands voted for it in a national competition.

Irlam station took this year’s World Cup of Stations title by winning the public vote that was held last week.

More than 150 stations from all over the country entered the competition, which was run by the Rail Delivery Group to celebrate stations which bring local communities together by “creating connections that matter”.

Irlam received 4,786 votes in total, beating Cardross, Brookwood, Yatton and Berney Arms in the final round.

It has been transformed into a place the community can enjoy and take pride in by volunteer group Friends of Irlam Station (FIRST) and local charity Hamilton Davies Trust.

David Ollerenshaw, Chairman of FIRST, said: “We’re over the moon and would like to say a massive, massive thank you to everyone who voted for Irlam.

“The staff here and the volunteers at the Friends of Irlam Station are speechless. This acknowledges all of the hard work they have put in over the last 10 years to make this station so special.

“It means so much to the community because of the friendly atmosphere and all of the history.”

Tricia Williams, Managing Director of Northern, said: “We’re incredibly proud that Irlam has won this year’s World Cup of Stations competition and would like to thank everyone who voted.

“The credit must go to the volunteers at Friends of Irlam Station and the Hamilton Davies Trust, who have transformed this station into a thriving community hub that brings people together.

“The station has a unique charm and is well worth a visit. You can enjoy a meal in the café, take a tour of the gardens to see some 3D artwork and visit the heritage hub.”

Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt said: “Rail stations sit at the heart of many communities, and this award is fantastic recognition for the Friends of Irlam Station and other local people who have worked so hard to transform it into a welcoming environment that people want to spend time in, not just pass through.

“The latest station upgrades also mean step-free access is now available at Irlam, enabling even more people to use this station and their local rail network.”

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “This is fantastic news for Irlam and a tremendous achievement for everyone who has played a part in transforming the station into such a valued community asset.

“Irlam station is a shining example of what can be achieved through partnership working and the dedication of local people.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of Friends of Irlam Station and the Hamilton Davies Trust, a thriving community hub has been created that celebrates our rich industrial and railway heritage while bringing residents, families and visitors together.

“We have also worked closely with partners to improve accessibility at the station, with £5.75 million invested in step-free access, helping to ensure more people can benefit from everything this wonderful station has to offer.

“My congratulations and thanks go to everyone involved, and to the thousands of people who voted to give Irlam Station the recognition it so richly deserves.”

Irlam is run by Northern and used by more than 350,000 passengers a year.

The station house was derelict for nearly 25 years but reopened in 2015 after a £2 million restoration.

There is now a popular café bar on the ground floor, with train carriage booths for diners to eat in, and two rooms on the mezzanine that are available for private hire.

They are used to host events for the local community throughout the year, including weddings and civil ceremonies.

The platform features artwork which celebrates the district’s industrial past and colourful flower displays tended to by volunteers throughout the year.

There is also a heritage room, that is home to railway artefacts and memorabilia, station gardens filled with wildflowers and 3D sculptures, and a 142-year-old signal box that has been restored and reopened.

Schoolchildren are regularly invited to take tours of the station to learn more about railway history and safety.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.